Ireland so far...

« **Reply #25 on:** March 30, 2011, 02:26:54 PM »

$275 is good. When I was at County Down in 2007, the visitor fee was 135 quid (~$200) by itself.

« **Reply #26 on:** March 30, 2011, 03:17:40 PM »

Quote from: Carl Nichols on March 30, 2011, 02:18:14 PM

You played RCD, RP and Portstewart for $275? Are those all unaccompanied? I think it cost me about that much for just 1 round at RCD two summers ago. [on the other hand, it cost me about $15 to play RP Valley, as a guest.]

They are all unaccompanied, RCD is 75, Portrush is 60 and Portstewart is 40 in pounds.

The rates all go up in April though.

« **Reply #27 on:** March 30, 2011, 09:44:39 PM »

I found several of the low holes at Porstewart to be wonderful. As I recall there were greens that sat up and required an aerial attack. When the wind is up this can be quite challenging. One par three in particular was difficult to get the ball to stay.

« **Reply #28 on:** March 31, 2011, 01:56:03 PM »

Ryan -

Thanks for the Portstewart pics. Be aware that holes #2 thru #8 or so on the Strand course (thru the impressive dunes) are fairly new. They were built in the early 1990's and upgraded the quality of the course a great deal. #1 is a great hole and climbing up to the top of the dune to reach the #2 tee gives you a great view of the beach below.

DT

« **Reply #29 on:** March 31, 2011, 07:09:30 PM »

Ryan

How long are you spending in Ireland and what does your overall itinerary look like ? ie: What regions are you going to ?

Am glad you are doing a little sightseeing along the way - all those pics so far were things I did in the NE and it was a great way to see the country.

Thanks for bringing back some good memories.

« **Reply #30 on:** April 03, 2011, 10:25:48 AM »

Kevin

We are spending 2 weeks. I'm with my Fiancee so its part golf part sightseeing.

1 day in Newcastle

3 days in Portrush

5 days in Dublin

2 days in Lahinch

2 days in Ballybunion

In Lahinch right now, nice and windy, play tomorrow morning at 8!

« **Reply #31 on:** April 03, 2011, 06:32:37 PM »

Ryan - great pictures!

I have to agree with you about RCD and Portrush. They are pretty tough tracks to start with. I think you will really like Lahinch and Bally; a little more forgiving. Let us know what you think of Portmarnock should you play.

BC

« **Reply #32 on:** April 03, 2011, 06:42:20 PM »

Great trip and nice photos! You playing Cashen and Old at BB? If yes, do whatever you can to replay Old...

« **Reply #33 on:** April 04, 2011, 02:20:22 PM »

Spent a few days in Dublin, only played Portmarnock while I was there. Played with Ally Mcintosh and Jack Marr from GCA, it was hard to get a sense of the how the course is supposed to be played as the winds were in the 40-50km/h range with gusts even higher. It was fun nonetheless and while not as dramatic as some of the other courses there are some great holes out there.

View from the Gravity Bar at the Guinness Factory

Trinity College

Liffey river, Dublin

Played Lahinch today, didn't think it could get windier than Portmarnock but it managed to this morning, also threw in some rain and sleet for a little variety. Lahinch is the one I'd like another go at the most, loved everything about the place except the weather.

Off to Ballybunion tomorrow, last round of the trip unfortunately.

« **Reply #34 on:** April 04, 2011, 02:23:19 PM »

Quote from: Bill Brightly on April 03, 2011, 06:42:20 PM

Great trip and nice photos! You playing Cashen and Old at BB? If yes, do whatever you can to replay Old...

Bill only going to be playing the Old.

« **Reply #35 on:** April 04, 2011, 02:54:40 PM »

Quote from: Ryan Admussen on April 04, 2011, 02:23:19 PM

Quote from: Bill Brightly on April 03, 2011, 06:42:20 PM
Great trip and nice photos! You playing Cashen and Old at BB? If yes, do whatever you can to replay Old...

Bill only going to be playing the Old.

Smart! The cashen is a great place to take a walk, just a pain to play golf!

« **Reply #36 on:** April 05, 2011, 03:28:31 AM »

Quote from: Ryan Admussen on April 04, 2011, 02:20:22 PM

Spent a few days in Dublin, only played Portmarnock while I was there. Played with Ally Mcintosh and Jack Marr from GCA, it was hard to get a sense of the how the course is supposed to be played as the winds were in the 40-50km/h range with gusts even higher. It was fun nonetheless and while not as dramatic as some of the other courses there are some great holes out there.

Played Lahinch today, didn't think it could get windier than Portmarnock but it managed to this morning, also threw in some rain and sleet for a little variety. Lahinch is the one I'd like another go at the most, loved everything about the place except the weather.

Off to Ballybunion tomorrow, last round of the trip unfortunately.

I can't believe you got a windier day at Lahinch than at Portmarnock... With one of the finest days of the year sandwiched in between... You've been a little unlucky...

There is a point where wind stops being fun and becomes just a bind.... That point is somehwere before your balls start to roll off the green from stationary and when you get blown right over trying to hit a 5-iron...

Good to meet you... Enjoy Ballybunion...

« **Reply #37 on:** April 05, 2011, 08:34:17 AM »

Those trees on the left mask the maintenance compound and driving range Brian so I've no doubt they will stay.

A lot of the trees they've removed to date have been as much to do with turf maintenance as anything else... Behind the 1st green and around the 18th tees especially... Some of the others (behind 15 and 4 for example) have been to do with taking out trees that were taking away from the focus of the shots... They won't remove them all but I'd be happy to see a few more go in the right areas...

I do agree you need some contrast on the site though and the few trees and gorse plantings dotted around add to that... Some of the gorse could do with being taken out however (too uniform)... And a little buckthorn...

« **Reply #38 on:** April 05, 2011, 02:08:41 PM »

As I arrived at Lahinch for my 8am tee time I was greeted by awful weather. It was hard to to walk at times and teeing up the ball was a challenge in itself, nevermind the rain.

Aside from the weather, Lahinch is a special place, somewhere I would like to spend an extended period time for multiple plays. I was told by more than few people that it was the most enjoyable course in Ireland and of the courses I've played I would have to agree.

Not my tee shot unfortunately.

Interesting road sign just outside Lahinch

Cliffs of Moher

« **Reply #39 on:** April 05, 2011, 03:45:58 PM »

Ryan

What day did you play Portmarnock?
I flew in Thursday morning and the cross winds were so bad we had to circle 5-6 times before the pilot did a masterful job of bringing us in.

Played Enniscrone Friday in sustained 40 mph with gusts in the 60's. It was difficult!

« **Reply #40 on:** April 05, 2011, 04:28:48 PM »

Ryan -

Thanks for the great pictures. My wife has to work at Queens University in Belfast during the second week of May. I contemplated not going with her, but the discussion of RCD and Portrush on this site convinced me that I would be an idiot not to go. Your pictures have confirmed that I made the right decision. I can't wait!

If anyone will be in the area and is interested in playing, I am scheduled to play RCD on May 10 and Portrush (Dunlace and Valley) on May 11. Would love the company. Just send me a message.

« **Reply #41 on:** April 06, 2011, 10:46:33 AM »

I think those photos of Lahinch are more beautiful than a sunny day.

« **Reply #42 on:** April 06, 2011, 04:32:06 PM »

Rory - We played on the Friday, we were in Portrush on Thursday and could barely close the door to the B&B

Russ - Enjoy your trip! The second course at RCD has some fun holes if you have time to check it out.

Mike - I would agree as long as you can keep the rain off the lens!

« **Reply #43 on:** April 06, 2011, 04:36:56 PM »

Quote from: Russ Miller on April 05, 2011, 04:28:48 PM

Ryan -

Thanks for the great pictures. My wife has to work at Queens University in Belfast during the second week of May. I contemplated not going with her, but the discussion of RCD and Portrush on this site convinced me that I would be an idiot not to go. Your pictures have confirmed that I made the right decision. I can't wait!

If anyone will be in the area and is interested in playing, I am scheduled to play RCD on May 10 and Portrush (Dunlace and Valley) on May 11. Would love the company. Just send me a message.

Russ,

If you have time, try to play Malone and Belvoir Park (pronounced Beaver) in Belfast. They're very good parkland courses.

« **Reply #44 on:** April 06, 2011, 05:34:43 PM »

Played Ballybunion today, had perfect weather, just enough wind to make it interesting. The owner of our B&B joined me which was nice to get a local perspective as well as some interesting stories.

I found the first few holes to be somewhat average but really enjoyed the last 2/3's of the course. Not quite sure where I would place it among the other courses I've played here.

Today was supposed to be my last round, but they offered me a free round on the Cashen course as they now include it when you purchase a round on the Old course, going to see what all the fuss is about and give it a try tomorrow. The locals I've spoken with seem to quite enjoy it.

After golf we took a drive to Dingle and did the Slea Head drive as well as Connors Pass, it was tight for one vehicle in areas let alone two.

« **Reply #45 on:** April 06, 2011, 06:39:02 PM »

Ryan -

More great pics. Thanks for posting.

Unless I am mistaken, the picture at Ballybunion taken from the tee (with the trolley & cart path in the center) is the final par-3 on the course, which is either the 15th or 16th hole and roughly 200 yards long.

The day I played the course, that hole played into a wind so strong it literally blew my trolley over. There was no chance of reaching the green. As I recall, there was no place to "lay up" off the tee either. All you could do was laugh at the situation.

Have a safe trip home.

DT

« **Reply #46 on:** April 07, 2011, 04:10:39 AM »

The 15th David...

I thought they were grassing these paths... Instead it looks like they've gone the other way...

« **Reply #47 on:** April 07, 2011, 11:04:55 AM »

Quote from: Donal OCeallaigh on April 06, 2011, 04:36:56 PM

Russ,

If you have time, try to play Malone and Belvoir Park (pronounced Beaver) in Belfast. They're very good parkland courses.

Donal - Thanks for the suggestions about golf in Belfast. I am thinking I may try Belvoir (thanks for the help on the pronunciation) Monday afternoon.

« **Reply #48 on:** April 08, 2011, 06:40:38 AM »

It's glorious weather now in Dublin. I hope you're still in Ireland to enjoy some of it.

« **Reply #49 on:** April 08, 2011, 09:20:40 AM »

Ryan

Did you visit the Book of Kells whilst at Trinity College ?

Looks like you got a decent mix of weather - what was your favorite course on the trip ? Why ?

News:

Bill_McBride

Ryan Admussen

mike_malone

David_Tepper

Kevin Pallier

Ryan Admussen

Brent Carlson

Bill Brightly

Ryan Admussen

Ryan Admussen

Bill Brightly

Ally Mcintosh

Ally Mcintosh

Ryan Admussen

Rory Connaughton

Russ Miller

mike_malone

Ryan Admussen

Dónal Ó Ceallaigh

Ryan Admussen

David_Tepper

Ally Mcintosh

Russ Miller

Jack_Marr

Kevin Pallier